The US Navy said Friday it lifted restrictions preventing sailors in Japan from leaving their bases four days after the rule was imposed following a drunk-driving case on Okinawa. However, an alcohol ban for sailors in the country, also imposed on Monday, will be maintained, it said in a release.
The United States has come under intense pressure to rein in bad behaviour by its military and related personnel after a series of recent crimes on Okinawa, including the suspected rape and murder of a 20-year-old local woman. Such crimes have long sparked protests on the strategic southern island crowded with American bases and have been an irritant in relations between Tokyo and Washington - key Asia-Pacific security allies.
US President Barack Obama last month during a visit to Japan vowed measures to prevent crimes by Americans and the military imposed restrictions including a curfew after a civilian base employee was arrested on Okinawa in connection with the alleged rape and murder. As a further measure, the US Navy announced on Monday alcohol bans and base restrictions for its sailors in Japan after one was arrested on Okinawa at the weekend for allegedly driving while intoxicated and injuring two people, one seriously.
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